Alameda County Fair Hosts First "Drop Zone Drive" to Help Send Care Packages to Deployed U.S. Troops

Announcement submitted by Alameda county Fair:

Alameda County Fair will host the first annual “Drop Zone Drive” this Wednesday, July 1, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Blue Star Moms, a group that sends care packages to thousands of deployed troops twice a year, is organizing the event.

A list of items most requested by our service men and women stationed in the Middle East is provided on the next page. The Fair will offer free admission to everyone who brings 2 items from the list to any of the entrance gates the day of the drive.

“For every soldier that receives a care package from a family member or friend, there are many more who don’t,” said Linda Johnson, lead organizer of the event. “We want every one of them to feel appreciated. These packages are a small token for all they contribute, and receiving a box of treats and necessities that they can’t just go out and buy, does help to brighten their day.”

This will be the first large-scale drive the local Blue Star Moms have conducted. Volunteers will be stationed at all 4 entrance gates at the Fairgrounds to collect the donations the day of the event. Classic Rock band, Foghat, will perform live in the amphitheater at 8 p.m. that night. For more information visit www.alamedacountyfair.com.

“DROP ZONE” DRIVE Support Our Troops DONATION ITEMS:

Food:

• Jif To Go
• Sunflower seeds
• Snack size peanuts
• Propel or Crystal Light powder packets
• Instant hot chocolate
• Instant oatmeal
• Slim Jims
• Beef jerky
• Tuna salad lunch packets
• Instant coffee packets
• 5-Hour energy drinks

Toiletries (travel size containers)

• Dental floss
• Stick deodorant
• Disposable razors
• Mouthwash
• Carmex
• Blistex
• Toothbrushes
• Sunscreen
• Hand sanitizer
• Wet Ones or baby wipes

Clothing:

• White or black mens crew socks

PLEASE NOTE:

• Items must be packaged individually as they will be repacked into bags for each soldier
• No aerosol products
• No expired products (must not expire prior to January 2016)

More coverage about the fair:

• Gregarious Goats, Bold Hats, Wild Horse Races: Alameda County Fair In Photos
• Headed to the Alameda County Fair This Week, Pleasanton?
• Alameda County Fair Has Its Own App
• Pleasanton Unveils Traffic Mitigation Plan for July 4 Fair Fireworks
• ‘Deep-Fried Wood Fired Pastrami Pizza’ Wins County Fair Snackdown
• Alameda County Fair: Craft Brews, Demolition Derby, Free Concerts and World’s Most Sour Ice Cream

2015 Alameda County Fair Information

Dates: June 17 – July 5 (Open Tuesday – Sunday)
Hours: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. daily
Carnival Hours: Tues -Thurs, 12 p.m. to closing, Fri - Sun, 11 a.m. to closing
Horse Racing: Thursday through Sunday, June 18 --21, June 25 --28, and July 2--5
Big O Tires FREE Concerts: 8 p.m. – 9:15 p.m., nightly. Special effects show with video tribute to local heroes, immediately following concerts.

July 4: Blues Festival, 1-9 p.m., Fireworks Spectacular featuring a live performance by Members of the Oakland East Bay Symphony, 9:30 p.m., Budweiser Grandstand

Gate Admission*:

• Adults (13-61) -- $12
• Seniors (62+) -- $8
• Kids (6-12) -- $8
• Children under 6 -- FREE

Special Days (ALL SPECIAL PRICING ENDS AT 5 P.M.):

• Military Appreciation, FREE Fair admission with valid Military ID – ALL DAY, EVERYDAY
• $2 Tuesdays: June 23 & 30 -- $2 admission, UNTIL 5 P.M.
• Seniors FREE Thursdays (62+) – July 2, UNTIL 5 P.M.
• Kids FREE Fridays (12 and under) – July 3, UNTIL 5 P.M
• Treats for Troops: July 1 (Bring 4 items from donation list and receive FREE admission & $1 Rides) – UNTIL 5 P.M.

Big O Tires Presents - Concert Series Preview:
7/1 – Foghat
7/2 – Kansas
7/3 – Morris Day & The Time
7/4 – Red, White & Blues Festival (1 p.m. – 9 p.m.)
7/5 – Berlin featuring Terri Nunn